New Delhi: In a significant development for the maritime community, Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania assumed the prestigious role of Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India on February 1, 2024. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Vice Admiral Pathania is a Hydrography Specialist commissioned in the Executive branch of the Indian Navy in 1990.
Having served in various capacities, Vice Admiral Pathania’s experience encompasses commanding IN Ships Darshak and Sandhayak. His contributions include conducting hydrographic surveys across the entire expanse of India and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Notably, he played a crucial role in the challenging task of data collection for the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) arbitration and the production of new charts in the Sundarbans delta. His international exposure includes service onboard HMS Bulldog of the Royal Navy.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vice Admiral Pathania held key shore appointments, including Interviewing Officer & Deputy President of Naval Selection Board, Principal Director (Hydrography) at Naval Headquarters (NHQ), Officer-in-Charge at the National Hydrographic Office (NHO), and Joint Chief Hydrographer.
Vice Admiral Pathania is an alumnus of the Naval Academy and the International Maritime Academy (IMO) in Trieste, Italy. He further honed his skills at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington and the College of Defence Management (CDM) in Secunderabad. He holds a Masters degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras and a Masters of Management Studies (MMS) from Osmania University.
Recognized as an expert in international maritime laws, Vice Admiral Pathania has made significant contributions to addressing issues related to maritime boundary delimitation and the settlement of the Extended Continental Shelf beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone. His wealth of knowledge and expertise is expected to play a crucial role in advancing India’s hydrographic capabilities and ensuring maritime safety in the region.
As Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania takes the helm as Chief Hydrographer, the maritime community eagerly anticipates the positive impact of his leadership on India’s hydrographic endeavors and the broader maritime landscape.
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